Not riding is not an option for improved bike safety: Get Out There!

“Every hour on the bike, is one hour spent in perfect balance”

Stating the obvious: people are increasingly riding bikes. In Traverse City, it’s difficult to not notice the increasing numbers. Many more people are waiting in the wings, ready to ride as a real transportation option, if only they had a little push. One block to increasing ridership that continually gets raised is uncertainty about safety and rules of the road.

My contribution begins with the premise that biking is one of our safest transportation options. We have a lot of perceived fears that can be overcome with practice.

Safety in numbers, it’s a virtuous cycle. The more riders we have, the better we will be in handling both real and perceived safety concerns. Not only does it make us all more visible, it also places pressure on local governments to start building more inclusive streets-show them how we want it: Walk it, Bike it, Drive it–Slow).

Promote road safety education for and as motorists. (Let’s face it, it’s the drivers that are a safety issue)

Advocate for intentional design of streets for all users. (It will help with your confidence).

What’s missing? Uh-oh, the helmet. Yes, of course. I say, wear a helmet, but don’t let the absence of one stop you from riding and don’t believe just because you are wearing a helmet that you are free from incident.